5 common cleaning myths busted
When it comes to cleaning there are endless tips and tricks out there – but how many of them actually work? Well here we sort fact from fiction in the hopes of saving you time.
Myth: Bleach is all you need
It’s often seen as the ultimate cleaning product – cheap, effective and can be used just about anywhere. But bleach, even when diluted, is too harsh for many areas of the home. It shouldn’t event be used to clean the grout between tiles as it can eat away at the grout, meaning it will be dirtier in the long run. Some studies have also linked the use of bleach to increased childhood infections, which shows there’s such a thing as being too clean.
Myth: Polish, polish, polish
It is tempting to go over woodwork frequently with furniture polish as it brings it up to a rich shine and smells fabulous. But too much polish can actually be a bad thing, leaving a sticky film over the wood that is hard to remove and will ultimately dull the finish. Oils in the polish can even attract dust, making more work all round. Wipe the furniture down with a soft microfibre cloth and save the polish for special occasions.
Myth: Vinegar will clean anything
Vinegar is a popular natural alternative to harsh cleaners like bleach and, while it’s undeniably versatile, it can be used on everything. Don’t use it on hardwood or stone floors as it can damage the finish and, like bleach, avoid using it on tile grout as it can cause it to deteriorate. You might also find that, despite the surrounding folklore, vinegar just isn’t that great at cleaning things.
Myth: Vacuuming your carpet will wear it out
The exact opposite is true with this myth. Frequent vacuuming won’t damage your carpet; it actually makes it last longer. Dirt and grit are abrasive so when they stay on the carpet (and are walked further in) they will begin to ruin the delicate fibres. Vacuum at least once a week, before the rough edges can do any damage.
Myth: More detergent means cleaner clothes
It seems logical to think that more detergent should always mean more cleaning power. But in fact too much detergent in the wash means a residue will stay on your clothes, making them feel dirty again straight away. Remember that the laundry detergent people are in the business of selling more product, so you can often get away with just a quarter of the recommended amount for each load. If clothes are heavily soiled, try a pre wash or a soak cycle rather than doubling up on the detergent.
Related links:
13 hidden uses for household items
12 cleaning tricks for hard-to-clean areas around the home
Homemade laundry powder and fabric softener recipes